Surratt - "WHo" was he?

[Craig Hipkins]

I didn't mean to say by my statement that the other conspirators had nothing to offer in the plot. Booth was a calculating individual who carefully chose the conspirators for what assets they could bring to the table. The reason that I believe Surratt was of a higher caliber in the brain department is that he could manipulate in the way of Booth. For instance, he was able to use an abundance of connections in his escape to Canada and Europe after the assassination. Some might suggest cowardice, but I would say he was being pragmatic and well knew the state of mind that took hold of the public after Lincoln's death. It was a matter of self preservation. I don't see any of the other conspirators being able to do this. Each one of them was chosen by Booth based on their merits. Atzerodt for his skill as a boatman, Powell for his sheer size and strength and Herold for his knowledge of the land.